Kind-hearted Mirror readers have donated £25,000 to help a dying father desperately trying to raise money to save his young daughter from cancer.

Over 2,500 donations ranging from £1 to £10,000 flooded in for Tom Attwater after he shared his poignant and deeply personal letter of life’s advice for five-year-old Kelli.

Tom has a terminal brain tumour but is using his last days to raise £500,000 to ensure his little girl, who has survived neuroblastoma twice and has a high chance of relapse, will have the pioneering cancer treatment she might need in the US or Germany.

Tom, 31, from Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, said: “I am blown away by Mirror readers’ kindness. Their donations were phenomenal - every pound really is appreciated. There’s also been a great knock-on effect as people have been in touch saying they’re doing fun runs and charity events for Kelli.

“The beautiful messages of support from strangers also really bolstered me and my fiancee Joely. Some said they’d lost their fathers when they were young and that a letter like mine would have really helped them throughout their lives. That was a huge help to me because all I want to do with my time left is help Kelli and Joely.

“It meant a lot to get messages from fellow fathers who said they were moved to tears by my letter. Any parent knows that having children makes us super-sensitive and determined to do everything we can for them.

“And although there were many compliments about me being brave, I certainly don’t feel it - I feel in so much pain I just feel awful to be honest.”

Now Tom is almost half way to his fundraising target he is more adamant than ever to reach it. Tragically his deadline is short as his latest scans show his brain tumour is growing.

He says: “These days people make bucket lists, and the very top of mine - the one that matters most - is raising money to make sure Kelli gets the medical help she might need.

“Some people have advised me to slow down and concentrate on enjoying the rest of my days. But how can I knowing Kelli’s bright life might be cut short?

“Fundraising is a lot of hard work, especially on days when I feel too poorly to get out of bed. But I honestly feel I can’t relax until I know Kelli can have the best chance of a long and full life. I’ve run out of chances, luck and time but have had a wonderful life. So if I drop dead tomorrow, I know I will have done my best for Kelli.”

Football pundit and Mirror columnist Robbie Savage was among those moved by Tom’s advice. He shared the story with his 1.24million followers and tweeted to the Mirror: “That was a very tearful read!”

Lord Alan Sugar also retweeted a link to Tom’s story to his 3.3 million followers.

John Collins, managing director of luxury car firm Talacrest, was so touched by Tom’s story he sent a personal cheque for £10,000.

Tom has hidden the letter for Kelli to read when she is older. He says: “It was difficult to write and cram in everything I’d hoped to say to Kelli over years of chatting over the kitchen table together. We don’t have that time.

“But I feel much better getting everything off my chest. And so grateful to everyone who donated. Thank you so, so much - please keep donating as there is still so much to do.”